Massive fire destroys apartment above shops in Lunteren

A massive fire broke out Saturday evening in an apartment above a snackbar and telecom store on Dorpsstraat in the center of Lunteren, sending thick smoke billowing through the village and prompting a large-scale emergency response, according to Omroep Gelderland.

Flames were seen shooting from the upper-floor residence as firefighters from at least two local brigades battled the blaze. The fire was quickly escalated from a "medium fire" to a “large fire,” and ultimately to a “very large fire,” according to emergency services.

The Veiligheidsregio Gelderland-Midden said on X that several individuals were assessed by ambulance personnel, but it remained unclear whether anyone was inside the apartment at the time or had to be rescued.

Firefighters worked late into the evening to contain the flames. No additional details were released about possible injuries or the extent of damage to the building and surrounding businesses.